JANUARY 19, 2010 - 9:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

MINUTES

DEVELOPMENT SERVICES COMMITTEE

All Members of Council

Development Services                                                                 Economic Development

Chair:              Councillor J. Webster                                                                             Chair:             

Vice-Chair:      Councillor D. Horchik                                                                            Transportation Issues

                                                                                                                                        Chair:          Regional Councillor G. Landon

 

 

PART A

Presentations, Major Studies, and Issues Agenda

9:00 a.m. – Canada Room

 

 

Attendance

Mayor F. Scarpitti Deputy Mayor J. Heath Regional Councillor J. Jones Regional Councillor G. Landon Regional Councillor J. Virgilio Councillor V. Burke Councillor E. Shapero Councillor C. Moretti Councillor J. Webster Councillor D. Horchik Councillor L. Kanapathi Councillor A. Chiu   Regrets Councillor D. Hamilton

J. Livey, Chief Administrative Officer J. Baird, Commissioner of Development Services A. Taylor, Commissioner of Corporate Services B. Librecz, Commissioner of Community & Fire Services A. Brown, Director of Engineering C. Conrad, Town Solicitor B. Karumanchery, Senior Development Manager V. Shuttleworth, Director of Planning and Urban Design S. Andrews, Director Asset Management A. Tari, Committee Clerk

 

The Development Services Committee convened at 9:00 AM in the Canada Room with Councillor J. Webster in the Chair. Regional Councillor G. Landon assumed the Chair for Transportation item, No.3.

 

 

DISCLOSURE OF PECUNIARY INTEREST

 

None disclosed.

 

 

 

 

1.         MARKHAM STOUFFVILLE HOSPITAL
             - CONSTRUCTION TRUCK ROUTE (5.10, 10.0)

            Letter

 

Mr. Tony Yates, BA Consulting Group delivered a PowerPoint presentation regarding the Markham Stouffville Hospital (MSH) construction truck route.  He pointed out that construction will take approximately four years and that the first phase of construction, in which excavation plays a major role, is anticipated to be completed within approximately 14 months.  In response to a question he noted that they anticipate approximately 50 trucks per day in the first phase.

 

There was brief discussion with respect to the noise fence to be constructed by York Region on the west side of 9^th Line.  Staff advised that the Region of York will be holding a community meeting and that the location and size of the noise fence has not been finalized.  Staff suggested that they can have the Region e-mail the exact limits of the fence once it is determined.

 

There was considerable discussion regarding the potential negative impacts on the residents to the west of 9^th Line such as noise and pollution.  It was also noted that if 9^th Line is used as a construction truck route for the MSH expansion then it would make future complete truck ban along 9^th Line difficult.

 

The Committee inquired about the possibility of a traffic light or stop sign at Rose Way and 9^th Line.  Staff indicated that the intersection may have to be monitored first by the Region and that staff will confirm that.

 

There was discussion regarding the location of where the fill and concrete from the construction site will be dumped.  Mr. Yates advised that until the contract is awarded they will not know the exact location of the landfill site that will be used.  Staff pointed out that there is a landfill site at Warden Avenue and Stouffville Side Road.   There was a suggestion to consider hauling the extra clean fill to the Rouge Park if possible.

 

Mr. Gerard Gervais, Chairman of the Board, Markham Stouffville Hospital addressed the Committee stating that MSH intends on being a good neighbour that will continue to work with the existing residential community and Markham Council.  He indicated that if the construction traffic is diverted to come in from the east that a road will have to be constructed and currently they have not budgeted for that.  He emphasized that the Hospital is working with a tight budget and is trying to remain within that budget.

 

Mr. Al Bishop, Cornell Landowners Group addressed the Committee regarding the proposed construction truck route for the Markham Stouffville Hospital and spoke in support.  He indicated that he prefers that the truck traffic be directed along an arterial road.  

 

Mr. Bob Baird, Sherwood Amber Glen Ratepayers addressed the Committee with respect to the proposed construction truck route for the Markham Stouffville Hospital stating concerns.  His concerns included:  noise, pollution and potentially bad precedent for a future truck ban along the entire 9^th Line.  Mr. Baird requested that the Hospital take into account the resident’s concerns and review the possibility of an alternate truck route.

 

There was discussion regarding the extra costs associated with diverting the trucks from 9^th Line and whether the impact will be substantial to the residents.  The Committee discussed the importance of the Region enforcing their By-law that bans trucks along 9^th Line between Highway 7 and 16^th Avenue. 

 

Moved by Deputy Mayor J. Heath

Seconded by Regional Councillor G. Landon 

 

1.      That the presentation provided by Ms. Janet Beed, President & CEO, Markham Stouffville Hospital regarding the Markham Stouffville Hospital  - Construction Truck Route, be received; and,

 

2.      That Markham Stouffville Hospital (MSH) provide a detailed cost estimate for an alternative route that could be used for all the MSH related construction trucks with consideration being given to diverting the truck traffic onto Bur Oak Avenue; and,

 

3.      That additional details be provided with respect to the estimated $500,000 cost impact associated with an alternative route; and further,

 

4.      That the correspondence from Ms. Doris Kersta and Ms. Laura Paglia be received.

CARRIED

 

 

 

 

2.         DRAFT EAST PRECINCT PLAN - MOBILITY HUB (10.0)

            Presentation

 

Mr. Jim Baird, Commissioner of Development Services advised the Committee that this plan was presented to the Markham Centre Steering Committee in the Fall of 2009.  He also advised that Mr. Warren Price has been working together with the various transit agencies and landowners.  Mr. Baird pointed out that the transit agencies have not all finalized their designs and as a result this is not the final preferred alignment and has the possibility of being modified.

 

Mr. Warren Price, Urban Strategies Inc., delivered a PowerPoint presentation providing an update with respect to the Markham Centre East Precinct Plan and Mobility Hub.

 

There was considerable discussion regarding the proposed alignment of the 407 Transitway.  Staff advised that the proposed 407 Transitway alignment presented here today is a result of various meetings and discussions with the transit agencies and represents the preferred alignment, as included in the Environmental Assessment.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

Regional Councillor Jim Jones spoke in opposition to the proposed alignment for the 407 Transitway and suggested that the entire design needs to be reviewed.  He indicated that he will be forwarding a letter to the Prime Minster and Premier of Ontario with his suggestions that include:  Hydro lines on the south side of Highway 407 should be buried underground; construct a concourse over Highway 407 that will link the north and south developments and that the 407 Transitway remain on the south side of Highway 407.

 

One Councillor made a comment regarding intensification that can be built along the 407 Transitway and how that will relate to Markham’s future growth plan.

 

The Committee discussed the importance of constructing a rapid transit line from the Toronto International Airport to Oshawa that will provide efficient and rapid service to an underserved area throughout the region and improve regional connectivity.

 

The Committee suggested that representatives from the Ministry of Transportation and VIVA come to a future Development Services Committee meeting to provide details related to the 407 transit corridor and mobility hub location.

 

Moved by Mayor F. Scarpitti

Seconded by Regional Councillor J. Jones

 

That the presentation provided by Mr. Warren Price, Urban Strategies Inc. regarding the Draft East Precinct Plan - Mobility Hub, be received.

CARRIED

 

 

 

3.         SMART COMMUTE 404/7
            RESULTS AND UPDATE (5.10)

            Presentation

 

Mr. Richard Cunningham, Markham Board of Trade addressed the Committee to provide some opening comments with respect to the Smart Commute 404/7.

 

Mr. Basil Marcello, Assistant Manager, Smart Commute 404/7 delivered a PowerPoint presentation providing results and an update for Smart Commute 404/7.

 

The Committee congratulated Mr. Marcello on their work to-date.

 

There was discussion regarding fare-by-distance and double fare.

 

The Committee suggested that Mr. Marcello get in contact with our Sustainability Office to discuss and verify the numbers related to the carbon emission reductions.

 

 

 

 

Mr. Harry Eaglesham, President, Unionville Ratepayers Association addressed the Committee and spoke in support of the Smart Commute 404/7.  He suggested that the Town look at the option of providing a tax reduction for residents who participate with Smart Commute as they do in places such as California.

 

Moved by Regional Councillor J. Virgilio

Seconded by Regional Councillor J. Jones

 

That the presentation provided by Mr. Basil Marcello, Assistant Manager, Smart Commute 404/7 regarding the Smart Commute 404/7 - Results and Update, be received.

CARRIED

 

 

 

NEW BUSINESS

 

There was no new business.

 

 

 

 

ADJOURNMENT

 

The Development Services Committee meeting adjourned at 11:48 AM.